India fast bowler Shami faces arrest over assault claims

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Mohammed Shami (Getty Images)

Kolkata - India fast bowler Mohammed Shami was Monday ordered to appear before an Indian court in 15 days or face arrest, after he was accused of various crimes including assault and sexual harassment by his estranged wife.

Shami -- who is representing India in the West India Test series in Jamaica -- was charged by West Bengal police in March, with the case heard in court on Monday.

He has been locked in a protracted legal battle with his wife Hasin Jahan, a former model, since March 2018. She has publicly accused Shami of having numerous affairs and harassment.

Jahan's lawyer Zakir Hossain told AFP Shami was summoned to appear in the Kolkata court and file an appeal for bail.

"If Shami fails to comply with the order, the court has directed the authorities to arrest him," he added.

A senior police official told AFP they had yet to receive a copy of the court order.

Shami has dismissed all the accusations as a campaign to defame him.

Jahan has also accused Shami of corruption.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to issue an official statement on the court order.